Despite SC order, private schools make aadhaar mandatory

Private schools in Chandigarh have invited yet another controversy by making Aadhaar card mandatory for a child's admission to elementary classes. As per Supreme Court ruling, nobody can make the use of aadhaar mandatory.

Updated: Dec 1, 2016, 06:51 IST

CHANDIGARH: Private schools in Chandigarh have invited yet another controversy by making Aadhaar card mandatory for a child's admission to elementary classes. As per Supreme Court ruling, nobody can make the use of aadhaar mandatory. On Wednesday, almost every school uploaded the admission notices on their websites and displayed these on notice boards, with the additional requirement of the aadhaar card. Top city schools including four missionary schools -- St John's High School, Carmel Convent school, Sacred Heart School and St Anne's School -- have asked for aadhaar cards along with other documents. Out of many schools, only a few have not mentioned the need for producing an aadhaar card.

H S Mamik, president of independent schools association, said: "The government is not insisting on paper but it continues to chase schools to get 100% compliance which is why schools have to ask for aadhaar cards." When asked if it was mandatory in her school, Reema Dewan, principal of Delhi public School, Sector 40, said, "All schools are asking for it. Chandigarh is 100% compliant."

"Any school insisting for aadhaar card is clearly in contempt of Supreme Court orders. It has been held by the apex court that enrollment for aadhaar Card is voluntary, not compulsory. Parents can get in touch with our association and we will deal with such schools. The education department must also intervene in the matter," said Nitin Goyal president of Chandigarh parents association.

"Schools should not make aadhaar mandatory for admissions. Many schools have stated that applications would be rejected if documents including copy of aadhaar card are not attached. They must give time to parents and ask them to submit aadhaar before the session begins instead of demanding it at this time," said Vishal Vashisht, a parent from Manimajra housing complex. "Forms have to be submitted till December 12. How are we supposed to get aadhaar card made in 12 days?" rued Snehil Walia, a parent from Sector 18.

With almost all private schools making it clear in the admission notice that preference will be given under various categories, without mentioning the exact percentage of seats that will be reserved, parents have become more worried. "Schools should clearly mention how many seats they will reserved under preferred category and check forms before accepting them so that parents don't end up giving registration money in too many schools," said Harinder Singh, a parent from Sector 37.

Fees as always is a matter of worry. "I have checked notices of almost top 10 schools, including missionary schools and all have stated clearly that there will be further increase of minimum 10%. With schools giving preference in seats, seeking documents like aadhaar card for a child's admission, chances of admission, I am not too sure whether our daughter would get admission in schools shortlisted as per out budget."

Delhi Public School's form too was available on Wednesday. Unlike previous years, the school has not mentioned exact percentage of seats that will be reserved under preferred category. Registration form duly filled in and signed along with requisite documents should be submitted by December 12 in the school between 9am and 12pm.

All four missionary schools have listed aadhaar requirement without clarifying whether it is mandatory or not. Same is with many other schools including Kundan International, Kids r Kids, Gurukul global school, and others.

At St Kabir, registration form along with all supporting documents are to be deposited at the school fee counter from 9.30 am to 12.30pm on all days for nursery admission. They have not made aadhaar mandatory and have mentioned "if any" in the requirement field. However, for preferred category, they too have mentioned percentage for only minority quota (20%) and have mentioned that for seats available after filling up of seats under preferred category will be through draw of lots.

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